Japan 2026

A collection of 52 places curated by Donna Lustica

Places in this collection

  1. Mingle

    attraction

    Japan, 〒604-8021 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kitakurumayacho, 271ｰ4 1Ｆ

    Runs along the river, beautiful at night.

    MingleView on Google Maps

  2. Hozenji Yokocho

    restaurant

    1 Chome-1-17 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan

    Traditional atmosphere.

    Hozenji YokochoView on Google Maps

  3. Shinjuku Golden-Gai

    bar

    Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−1−６ あかるい花園 五番街

    Historic tiny bar area, unique atmosphere.

    Shinjuku Golden-GaiView on Google Maps

  4. Sensō-ji

    attraction

    2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

    Tokyo's oldest temple, traditional feel.

    Sensō-jiView on Google Maps

  5. Omicho Market

    shop

    50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0905, Japan

    Seafood + small local spots nearby.

    Omicho MarketView on Google Maps

  6. Apotheca Bar

    bar

    Japan, 〒604-8063 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Aburayacho, 145 洋燈館 4F

    Vintage pharmacy-style potions

    Apotheca BarView on Google Maps

  7. Asakusa

    other

    Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

    Street food like Daifuku, souvenirs like different flavor Kit Kat, and Japan vibe

    AsakusaView on Google Maps

  8. X coffee GINZA

    cafe

    Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 2 Chome−11−1 Ginza Land Bldg., 1F

    Amazing selection of beans, expensive but worth it, cheesecake and matcha are recommended

    X coffee GINZAView on Google Maps

  9. Ohara Koubou

    activity

    327 Oharakusaocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1248, Japan

    True cultural experience and gave me a really unique souvenir to walk away from the trip with.

    Ohara KoubouView on Google Maps

  10. Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane

    attraction

    1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan

    Lantern-lit alleyway packed with izakayas (small Japanese pubs) serving yakitori and local specialties. Locals go after work for drinks and small plates.

    Omoide Yokocho Memory LaneView on Google Maps

  11. 京的燒肉處弘

    restaurant

    25-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8002, Japan

    Some really amazing lunches and dinners

    京的燒肉處弘View on Google Maps

  12. T nakameguro | Wagyu T-bone steak

    restaurant

    Japan, 〒153-0051 Tokyo, Meguro City, Kamimeguro, 2-chōme−37−１２ Comfort Nakameguro, 1階

    Number eight is a Wagyu Omakase experience, a tea nakame burrow in Tokyo. They're cutting a fat t bone Wagyu steak and grilling them up as part of the Omakase. Overall, a really fun and delicious experience.

    T nakameguro | Wagyu T-bone steakView on Google Maps

  13. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    attraction

    11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan

    Huge scenic park, seasonal blooms.

    Shinjuku Gyoen National GardenView on Google Maps

  14. Akihabara Electric Town

    attraction

    Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo, Japan

    Anime, manga, electronics hub.

    Akihabara Electric TownView on Google Maps

  15. Ginza Okinawan Washita Shop

    shop

    Japan, 〒100-0006 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Yurakucho, 2 Chome−10−1 東京交通会館 １階

    Flagship store for vintage luxury watches, large Hermes collection

    Ginza Okinawan Washita ShopView on Google Maps

  16. Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto

    accommodation

    Japan, 〒600-8237 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Taimatsucho, 1番地

    More central. You'll be able to get around the city so easy because you were right next to the train station and the rooms here are very comfortable. The staff was also lovely.

    Rihga Royal Hotel KyotoView on Google Maps

  17. Kiyomizu-dera

    attraction

    1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

    Favorite places to grab matcha and sweets

    Kiyomizu-deraView on Google Maps

  18. MooKEN

    cafe

    Japan, 〒542-0085 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shinsaibashisuji, 1-chōme−5−２６ Ｒｉｐｐｌｕ 日宝 大阪屋ビル

    Number nine might have the longest line out of any spot on the list. It's all for these little crispy cream puff donuts. This spot is called Mooken in Osaka. These aren't your average cream puffs. They're delightfully light, crispy, almost caramelly. One bite in and I know exactly why they're so famous among Osaka locals and why they sell it every day.

    MooKENView on Google Maps

  19. Fushimi Inari Taisha

    attraction

    68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan

    Famous walk up, arrive early at 6:30 AM to beat the crowds

    Fushimi Inari TaishaView on Google Maps

  20. teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM

    attraction

    6-chōme-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan

    Immersive body-on digital art.

    teamLab Planets TOKYO DMMView on Google Maps